This week, in NKY government meetings, Campbell County will discuss plans for an assisted living facility; Kenton County will consider a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement drone program.
Keep reading to find out what happened in local government over the past week and what you need to know for this week.
What happened last week in NKY government meetings?
Kenton County residents speak out in opposition to industrial development
Kenton County residents voiced strong opposition to the county’s site readiness initiative, which aims to identify land for potential industrial development in the southern part of the county. At two public meetings last week, residents expressed concerns about the loss of rural character, environmental impacts and inadequate communication from officials. The initiative, a joint effort by local government agencies, is still in its early stages and does not yet propose concrete development plans. However, officials argue that industrial land could bring higher-paying jobs and prevent warehousing from dominating available space. Many residents, including longtime farmers, fear the initiative threatens family traditions and agricultural land. Concerns were also raised about past surveys missing key affected areas, limiting public input.
While no formal action was taken, officials acknowledged the public’s concerns, and a larger meeting is scheduled for Feb. 10 at Simon Kenton High School.
Read more about the opposition to the county’s initiative here. Read more from the first meeting on this topic here.
NKY leaders oppose state-centralized payroll tax collection: ‘A vast overreach’
Newport and other Northern Kentucky municipalities are opposing House Bill 253, which seeks to centralize the collection of local occupational business taxes under the state treasurer’s office. Officials argue this would strip local control, add bureaucratic complexity and increase costs for cities and taxpayers. Newport Assistant City Manager Brian Steffen and other leaders emphasized that occupational license taxes make up a significant portion of city revenue, funding essential services like infrastructure and emergency response. Newport officials insist the current system works effectively and that the proposed change would create unnecessary confusion and financial strain on local governments.
Read more about the centralized tax collection bill here.
NKY’s first medical cannabis dispensary could be in Boone County
Bluegrass Cannacare is set to become one of Northern Kentucky’s first medical cannabis dispensaries, pending approval of a zoning map amendment for a property at 6809 Burlington Pike in Florence. The Boone County Planning Commission held a public hearing to discuss the proposed change which would allow the vacant former Cricket Wireless building to be repurposed for the dispensary. Bluegrass Cannacare is one of four businesses in the region granted a license through a lottery system, though no opening date has been announced. The zoning amendment will be reviewed further by the commission’s Zone Change subcommittee on Feb. 19.
Read more about the dispensary here.
Multi-million-dollar AJ Jolly Lake restoration approved
Campbell County is moving forward with a multi-million-dollar restoration of AJ Jolly Lake, a 200-acre recreational lake suffering from sediment buildup and declining water levels. The county chose an in-house dredging plan costing approximately $3.1 million, significantly less than the $15 million full dredge alternative. This plan prioritizes maintaining Racetrack West and East as wetlands while dredging Flatwoods Road Cove and repairing its shoreline. Additional road maintenance staff and equipment will support ongoing maintenance to prevent future large-scale issues. Concurrently, the county is addressing spillway repairs at the dam, with a $2 million estimated cost.
Read more about the restoration project here.
Boone County approves architect for multi-use facility
Boone County has selected Cincinnati-based SMP Architects to design its new emergency management and public safety communications facility, aiming to consolidate operations currently housed in separate locations. The facility will be built at Conrad Lane and Bullitsville Road, within the county’s “Public Service Corridor,” and will modernize technology while improving efficiency by eliminating duplicated resources. The project’s design cost is estimated at $489,000, funded through the county’s 2024-2025 budget.
Read more about the multi-use facility here.
Newport explores partnership for home repair grants
Newport is exploring a partnership with Habitat for Humanity to establish a grant program that would assist residents with home repairs, particularly in the city’s west end and historic districts where repairs can be costly. Habitat for Humanity’s Critical Home Repair program provides no-cost repairs focused on mobility, accessibility, and safety for eligible homeowners, particularly seniors and military-connected households. The organization typically partners with municipalities that match funding and commit to a set number of repairs. Newport officials are considering a tailored program that could expand eligibility beyond Habitat’s current requirements to better serve the community.
Read more about the partnership here.
Elsmere may cooperate in ICE operations, police chief says
At an Elsmere city council meeting, Police Chief Russell Wood addressed concerns about potential cooperation with ICE in deportation cases, stating that the department would follow existing protocols but only assist in cases involving high-profile threats to public safety. He clarified that Section 287 of the Immigration and Nationality Act, which deputizes local officers for immigration enforcement, is not being applied in Elsmere. Additionally, the council approved a municipal order allowing the police department to sell surplus firearms and ammunition to current or retired officers.
Read more about the protocols here.
Union joins other NKY cities in opposing centralized tax collection
Union passed a resolution opposing a potential state-run, centralized payroll tax collection system, joining other Northern Kentucky cities in expressing concerns that such a measure could impose additional costs on local governments and discourage business development. While no formal bill has been introduced, cities like Fort Mitchell, Fort Wright, and Boone County have also voiced opposition. At the meeting, Kentucky Rep. Marianne Proctor attended to support the resolution and discuss her legislative priorities, emphasizing collaboration with local officials on tax collection matters.
Read more about the resolution here.
Boone County citizens share support, concerns over landfill expansion
Boone County residents shared mixed opinions on the proposed expansion of the Bavarian Waste Landfill, the county’s only garbage dump, during a public hearing held by the Northern Kentucky Solid Waste Management Board. The landfill, nearing its 11-million-ton capacity, seeks approval to add space for 37.7 million more tons of non-hazardous waste. Supporters argue the expansion is essential for Boone County’s economic growth and waste management, while opponents cite concerns about unpleasant odors and environmental impact. The expansion process, which began in early 2024, requires multiple rounds of public input before a final decision by the Kentucky Division of Waste Management. A follow-up meeting is scheduled for Feb.13.
Read more about the landfill expansion here.
Prior commissioners snubbed in Union commissioner appointments
Following a court ruling that voided Union’s city commission election results, the city has begun appointing new commissioners, excluding previously elected Brian Garner and Eric Dulaney. Mayor Larry Solomon appointed John Mefford, who then nominated Doug Bine, followed by George Eldridge. A final seat will be filled through an application process. The court case stemmed from ballot distribution errors, leading Judge Richard Brueggemann to order appointments instead of a special election. Critics argue the process was politically motivated, while supporters claim it prioritizes government stability. The new commission must now revisit voided votes from January, with the next meeting set for Feb. 19.
Read more about the appointments here.
Fort Mitchell opposes centralized payroll tax collection
Fort Mitchell passed a resolution opposing potential state legislation that would centralize the collection of local occupational taxes. While some state legislators, including Senator Christian McDaniel, have expressed support for simplifying the process for businesses, local officials are concerned about losing control over a significant portion of their budgets. Mayor Jude Hehman and Councilmember Greg Pohlgeers raised concerns about trusting the state with tax collection, while Councilmember Jeff Dietrich remained open to the idea, depending on the details of any future legislation. The resolution aligns Fort Mitchell with other local governments, including Fort Wright and Boone County, opposing centralized tax collection.
Read more about the resolution here.
What’s happening this week in NKY government meetings?
Cold Spring City Council: Monday, Feb. 10
What you need to know: Public works will discuss the pickleball windscreen and ballfield backstop.
The meeting starts at 7:30 p.m. at 5694 E. Alexandria Pike
The meeting agenda can be found here.
Park Hills to oppose centralized occupational tax collection by state
Park Hills City Council: Monday, Feb. 10
What you need to know: The council will be presented with the financial audit. They will also discuss a resolution to oppose centralized occupational tax collection by the state. You can read more about that here.
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 1106 Amsterdam Road
The meeting agenda can be found here.
Campbell County planning commission to discuss assisted living facility
Campbell County Planning and Zoning: Tuesday, Feb. 11
What you need to know: The planning commission will discuss stage one plan approval for an assisted living facility, 814 Memorial Pointe Drive.
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 1098 Monmouth Street in Newport.
The agenda can be found here.
Kenton County to discuss multi-jurisdictional law enforcement drone program
Kenton County Fiscal Court: Tuesday, Feb. 11
What you need to know: Kenton County will discuss an interlocal agreement for a multi-jurisdictional law enforcement drone program utilized by the Kenton County Sheriff’s Department, Marc Fields, Kenton County Jailer and the city of Independence Police Department. Read the order here.
The meeting starts at 5:30 p.m. at the Kenton County Government Center
The agenda can be found here.
Covington Board of Commissioners: Tuesday, Feb. 11
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 20 West Pike St.
The agenda can be found here.
Dayton to oppose centralized occupational tax collection by state
Dayton City Council: Tuesday, Feb. 11
What you need to know: Dayton will discuss a resolution to oppose centralized occupational tax collection by the state. You can read more about that here. The council will also discuss entering into an interlocal agreement with Southbank Partners, Inc. to serve as an instrumentality of the city and the other Southbank cities to pursue regional, collaborative strategies to promote economic growth in Dayton and other cities.
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 625 Second Ave.
The agenda can be found here.
Elsmere City Council: Tuesday, Feb. 11
The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. at 3921 Dixie Highway.
Florence City Council: Tuesday, Feb. 11
The meeting starts at 6 p.m. at 8100 Ewing Blvd.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Walton City Council: Tuesday, Feb. 11
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 44 N Main St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Bellevue to to oppose centralized occupational tax collection by state
Bellevue City Council: Wednesday, Feb. 12
What you need to know: The council will receive an audit report presentation. The council will also discuss entering into an interlocal agreement with Southbank partners, Inc. to serve as an intermediary of the city and the other Southbank cities to pursue regional collaborative strategies to promote economic growth within Bellevue and other cities. The last item the council will consider is a resolution to oppose centralized occupational tax collection by the state. You can read more about that here.
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at Callahan Community Center at 616 Poplar St.
The agenda can be found here.
Taylor Mill City Commission meeting: Wednesday, Feb. 12
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 5225 Taylor Mill Road.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
Boone County Board of Education: Thursday, Feb. 13
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 99 Center St. in Florence.
The agenda can be found here.
Ludlow City Council: Thursday, Feb. 13
The meeting starts at 7 p.m. at 51 Elm St.
The agenda can be found here when it is published.
